Muhammad Yunus Steps Down As Bangladesh Moves To End Interim Rule Before Tarique Rahman Oath Ceremony

Bangladesh is set for a political transition after interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus announced he would step aside, paving the way for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to form the next government in Dhaka.

The change in leadership comes following a decisive electoral mandate for Tarique Rahman's party, with the new administration scheduled to take office shortly.

Yunus Announces Exit Ahead Of Transfer Of Power

Yunus confirmed his decision in a farewell address to the nation on Monday. The interim administration had been formed after the exit of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, with Yunus tasked with overseeing governance until elections were held.

"Today, the interim government is stepping down. But let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights that has begun not be halted," Yunus said in his final address to Bangladesh.

His resignation comes a day before Tarique Rahman is expected to be sworn in as the country's new prime minister.

BNP Secures Strong Electoral Mandate

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won 209 of the 297 parliamentary seats in Friday's general election, handing Rahman a comfortable majority. Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats, while Sheikh Hasina's Awami League did not participate in the polls after being barred from contesting.

The results mark a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, ending the caretaker phase and restoring an elected government.

Minority Representation In New Parliament

The elections also produced four lawmakers from minority communities, all elected on BNP tickets. Two of them are Hindu leaders Goyeshwar Chandra Roy and Nitai Roy Chowdhury. Roy won a constituency in Dhaka, while Chowdhury secured victory in the western Magura seat against Jamaat-e-Islami candidates. Roy is part of the BNP's top policy-making standing committee and Chowdhury serves as a senior vice president and adviser to the party leadership.

Saching Pru, a senior BNP leader from the Marma ethnic community and a Buddhist follower, was elected from Bandarban in the southeastern hill region. Another winner, Dipen Dewan from Rangamati district, belongs to the Chakma ethnic minority, though his religious identity has been variously described.

New Government Set To Take Office

With the interim authority dissolving, power will now transfer to an elected leadership in Dhaka. The swearing-in of Tarique Rahman is expected to formally conclude the transitional phase that followed Hasina's departure and open a new chapter in Bangladesh's governance.